So this is my first time using Kona cotton. I had some black which matches the black in the rest of the quilt, so I cut my borders from it.
I'm noticing that even with a brand new Microtex sharp 12 needle, this stuff is hard to sew through!
It makes a sound when the needle punches the fabric, like it doesn't want to play. Should I be using a smaller or larger needle?
I've changed out needles twice, and so I'm assuming it's something about this fabric......
I also noticed that when I ripped a seam, it didn't want to steam nicely. The holes are huge, and appear punched out on one side! Yuck!
Someone in my ASG raves about this fabric. I think I'm going to stay away!

Really weird! I haven't noticed any of these things, but am still using up Kona black from my stash that's probably at least five years old.

Did you get it from a reputable shop? Is it Kaufmann Kona or some Kona-ish knockoff? If you think it may have poly in it a quick burn test will tell you.

Another thing to check - do you have same size needles from a different pack? I once got a pack of Schmetz that I swear every needle in the pack was dull. Or try that needle in something else to see if it acts dull.

I've used it and loved it..now the Bella broadcloth is another story!
I'd check your needle..I used a regular 80/12 Schmetz for piecing and had no noise. It seems that whenever I get needle noise with any fabric, changing my needle helps. The other thing I've noticed is that black fabrics of any brand seem to feel different. If you are a "fabric patter" try it the next time you are in a fabric store..the blacks seem to feel rougher..I believe that's to do with the dyes.

I just noticed that you are using a microtex needle...I generally use a universal..you might try a quilting or regular sharp. -- Edited on 1/28/13 2:42 PM --

------2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012 86.3 yds..
2013 21.0
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

I've noticed that "popping" sound when sewing on some cotton batiks, fabrics that are very saturated with dye.

I'm going to guess that in order to get a deep black fabric, the fibers are over saturated with dye (as compared to a pastel fabric, for example).

In some video documentary about quilting that I watched, there was a scene where a master quilter was teaching students and she was explaining this phenomena to her student, that fabrics that are very saturated with dye are somewhat stiffer, and will make that popping sound as the needle penetrates the fabric.

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